JP2022524693A - Electronic cigarette with wick - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic cigarette (1) is provided with a power supply unit 3 having a heater (25) and a replaceable cartridge (5) having a liquid reservoir (9). The power supply unit (3) is configured to deliver a liquid to a first wick unit (21) extending outward from the power supply unit (3) as a free end and a heater (25) for vaporization. It has an elongated shaped fluid transfer element (19, 21) with two wick portions (19). The power supply unit (3) has a seating configured to be fixedly attached to the second wick unit (19). The first wick (part 21) is configured to extend into the liquid reservoir 9 when the power supply unit (3) is connected to the cartridge (5). The replaceable cartridge (5) is detachably coupled to the power supply section (3), thereby engaging the first wick section (21) with and from the liquid reservoir (9). It can be disengaged and the fluid transfer elements (19, 21) become part of the power supply unit (3) when disengaged.

Description

The present disclosure relates to e-cigarettes, more specifically e-cigarettes configured as a system adapted to accept disposable liquid cartridges.

Electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices are increasingly popular consumer products.

In e-cigarette products, aerosol-forming or vaporizable substances are stored in containers in liquid form. The vessel typically has an outlet connected to a wick element or fluid transfer element from which an aerosol or vapor-forming material is supplied to the heater, from which the heater vaporizes the liquid aerosol or vapor-forming material.

E-cigarettes rely on the power stored locally in the battery and need to increase battery life for such devices. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to address such a problem.

The aforementioned object of the present invention, as well as other problems, are addressed by the claims.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette comprising a power supply with a heater and a replaceable cartridge with a liquid reservoir is provided such that the replaceable cartridge extends within the liquid reservoir. A fluid transfer element comprising a configured first wick portion and a second wick portion that extends outwardly away from the liquid reservoir and is configured to fluidly couple the liquid reservoir to the heater. Further provided, the fluid transfer element is configured to extend between the liquid reservoir and the heater when the cartridge is connected to the power supply, and the replaceable cartridge engages the second wick with the heater. It can be detachably coupled to the power supply so that it can be fitted and disengaged from the heater, and when disengaged, the fluid transfer element becomes part of the cartridge.

In this way, only a part of the liquid in the second wick portion is heated. This stops heat from unnecessarily spreading to the liquid reservoir, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the e-cigarette. Preferably, the fluid transfer element is a wick, with the first and second wicks directed towards the opposite distal ends of the wick. Preferably, the wick is a single continuous wick with the first and second wicks heading towards opposite distal ends.

Preferably, the cartridge has a housing, the first end of the cartridge housing is configured as a first connection, the power supply has a housing, and the first end of the power supply housing is configured as a second connection, the cartridge. The first connection portion of the housing is configured to connect to the second connection portion of the power supply unit.

In this way, the expired cartridge can be easily replaced with a new cartridge and the power supply can be reused.

Preferably, the first connection is configured as a free end that projects from the cartridge housing and defines a cavity in which the second connection of the power supply is received.

In this way, for example, when the user wants to replace an expired cartridge, the power supply unit can be easily guided to the connection with the cartridge.

Preferably, the first connection is tubular and at least partially extends over the second wick.

In this way, a secure fit is provided between the power supply and the cartridge, and the second wick is easily guided to the correct position for fluid coupling between the cartridge and the power supply. Further, for example, before connecting a new cartridge to the power supply, when the cartridge is not connected to the power supply, the shield provided by the tubular extension will damage the extended length of the second wick. To prevent.

Preferably, the second connection of the power supply is configured as a free end protruding from the power supply housing in which the first connection of the cartridge is received.

In this way, for example, when the user wants to replace the expired cartridge, the cartridge can be easily guided to the connection with the power supply unit. Preferably, the free end protruding from the power supply is tubular.

Preferably, the housing of the cartridge comprises a second end opposite the first end, the second end being configured as a mouthpiece portion.

In this way, when the cartridge is replaced, the mouthpiece is also replaced, thereby eliminating the need for the user to clean the mouthpiece on a cartridge-by-cartridge basis.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises a flow tube having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being proximal to the second wick portion and the second opening being in the mouthpiece portion, whereby the steam is second. 2 It can pass from the wick part to the mouthpiece part.

The vapor produced in this way can reach the mouthpiece by passing through the cartridge. This reduces the amount of vapor and water droplets that pass through the inhalation device, which will remain in the cartridge even if there is potential liquefaction.

Preferably, the power supply section comprises a receiving cavity configured to receive the second wick section, which is tubular with a heater disposed on the inner surface of the receiving cavity.

In this way, since the heater can heat the area of the second wick portion surrounded by the tubular cavity, the second wick portion is efficiently heated by the heater and the liquid held in the second wick portion. Vaporize.

Preferably, the receiving cavity has an opening arranged to allow the passage of steam.

In this way, the vaporized liquid can move away from the heater, whereby further liquid stored in the second wick section is moved to the surface area of the wick and heated to a second vapor. Released from the wick section.

Preferably, the opening is slit-shaped.

In this way, the vaporized liquid can move away from the heater while maintaining a large area in each of the tubular cavities for heating the second wick.

Preferably, the heater is a spirally wound heater mounted on the inner surface of the receiving cavity.

In this way, the heater may surround the second wick portion to provide efficient heating of the second wick portion. In addition, this arrangement is easy to manufacture.

Preferably, the heater forms at least a portion of the receiving cavity.

In this way, the heater may surround the second wick portion to provide efficient heating of the second wick portion. In addition, this arrangement is robust because the heater elements are not exposed.

Preferably, the receiving cavity comprises a ceramic body with an integrated resistant heating wire.

In this way, heat is provided to the second wick portion without the exposed heating element coming into direct contact with the second wick portion.

Preferably, when the second wick portion is located inside the heater, there is a gap between the heater and the second wick portion.

In this way, there is a vaporization space between the heater and the wick portion, and steam is formed and escaped.

Preferably, the liquid reservoir comprises a porous element, which is arranged to transfer the liquid to the fluid transfer element.

In this way, the liquid is efficiently transferred from the inside of the cartridge to the fluid transfer element. Preferably, the porous material is a fibrous material such as polyester fiber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge for an electronic cigarette is provided, the cartridge comprising a liquid reservoir, the cartridge being separated from a first wick portion extending within the liquid reservoir and the liquid reservoir. Further comprising a fluid transfer element comprising a second wick portion extending outward in the direction and configured to fluidly couple the liquid reservoir to the heater of the e-cigarette, the fluid transfer element in which the cartridge is electronic. Configured to extend between the liquid reservoir and the heater when connected to a cigarette, the cartridge is electronic so that the second wick can engage and disengage the heater. It is removable and can be combined with a cigarette.

In this way, a cartridge is provided in which only a portion of the liquid in the second wick portion is heated. This stops the heat from spreading unnecessarily to the liquid reservoir and improves the energy efficiency of e-cigarettes that use cartridges. Preferably, the fluid transfer element is a wick, with the first and second wicks directed towards the opposite distal ends of the wick. Preferably, the wick is a single continuous wick with the first and second wicks heading towards opposite distal ends.

Preferably, the cartridge will optionally include the features of the aforementioned embodiments.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette comprising a power supply with an electrical circuit and a heater and a replaceable cartridge with a liquid reservoir is provided, the power supply comprising a fluid transfer element having an elongated shape. Further provided, the fluid transfer element comprises a first wick portion extending outward from the power supply portion as a free end and a second wick portion configured to deliver the liquid to the heater for vaporization. The section comprises a seating configured to be fixedly attached to a second wick section of the fluid transfer element, the first wick section extending into the liquid reservoir when the power supply section is connected to the cartridge. The replaceable cartridge can be detachably coupled to the power supply so that the first wick can be engaged and disengaged from the liquid reservoir and engaged. When released, the fluid transfer element becomes part of the power supply.

In this way, only a part of the liquid in the second wick portion is heated. This stops heat from unnecessarily spreading to the liquid reservoir, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the e-cigarette.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element is an elongated wick, the first wick and the second wick, respectively, placed at the two opposite distal ends of the elongated wick.

In this way, the liquid from the liquid reservoir is efficiently transferred to the heater.

Preferably, the heater at least partially surrounds the second wick portion of the fluid transfer element.

In this way, the liquid held in the second wick portion is effectively vaporized.

Preferably, the cartridge has a housing, the first end of the cartridge housing is configured as a first connection, the power supply has a housing, and the first end of the power supply housing is configured as a second connection, the cartridge. The first connection portion of the housing is configured to connect to the second connection portion of the power supply unit.

In this way, the expired cartridge can be easily replaced with a new cartridge and the power supply can be reused.

Preferably, the second connection is configured as a free end protruding from the power source to which the first connection of the cartridge is received.

In this way, for example, when the user wants to replace the expired cartridge, the cartridge can be easily guided to the connection with the power supply unit.

Preferably, the second connection is tubular and at least partially extends over the first wick.

In this way, a secure fit is provided between the power supply and the cartridge, and the first wick is easily guided to the correct position for fluid coupling between the cartridge and the power supply. Further, for example, before connecting a new cartridge to the power supply, when the power supply is not connected to the cartridge, the shield provided by the tubular extension will damage the extended length of the first wick. To prevent.

Preferably, the first connection is configured as a free end protruding from the cartridge housing in which the second connection of the power supply is received.

In this way, for example, when the user wants to replace the expired cartridge, the cartridge can be easily guided to the connection with the power supply unit. Preferably, the free end protruding from the cartridge is tubular.

Preferably, there is a gap between the second wick portion and the heater.

In this way, a vaporization space is created that allows the steam to be formed and transferred away from the heater. Moreover, since it is not in direct contact with the wick, the residue accumulated in the heater is reduced.

Preferably, the power supply further comprises a vaporization chamber and the cartridge further comprises a flow tube extending through the liquid reservoir to the mouthpiece so that vapor can pass from the vaporization chamber to the mouthpiece.

The steam produced in this way can reach the mouthpiece by a simple mechanism. In order to capture any water droplets in the consumable, it is better to transfer the liquid through the consumable. It is also cleaner because the steam passes through disposable parts rather than the reusable main device.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises a closureable opening configured to open upon engagement with the first wick portion of the fluid transfer element, which closure closure when the cartridge is disconnected from the power supply portion. Be done.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the liquid from escaping from the cartridge when the power supply unit is not connected. This reduces the possibility of leakage. Preferably, the closureable opening is a valve. Alternatively, the closureable opening comprises a septum or membrane.

Preferably, the closureable opening comprises a valve, which is urged to a closed position.

In this way, leakage from the cartridge is suppressed.

Preferably, the valve is a channel extending into the liquid reservoir from a closed opening having at least one aperture in the housing of the channel arranged to provide a fluid connection between the channel and the liquid reservoir. The channel comprises a closing member and an urging member arranged to urge the closing member to close the closing opening, whereby the channel is arranged to receive the first wick portion. By receiving one wick portion, the closing member is pushed inside the liquid reservoir and the urging member is pressed, and at least one aperture causes the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the first wick portion received by the channel. Can flow.

Preferably, the liquid reservoir comprises a porous element, which is arranged to transfer the liquid to the fluid transfer element.

In this way, the liquid is efficiently transferred from the inside of the cartridge to the fluid transfer element. Preferably, the porous material is a fibrous material such as polyester fiber.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element is removable from the seating of the power supply so that the fluid transfer element can be replaced.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element is removable from the power supply and heater seating so that the fluid transfer element can be replaced.

In this way, the expired fluid transfer element or wick can be replaced.

Preferably, the heater and fluid transfer element are mounted on a support that is removable from the seating of the power supply so that the fluid transfer element and heater can be replaced.

In this way, the expired fluid transfer element or wick can be replaced periodically with the heater.

Here, an embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2a-2b show a schematic perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette having a wick portion extending from the cartridge. 2a-2b show a schematic perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette having a wick portion extending from the cartridge. FIG. 2c shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette having a wick portion extending from the cartridge. 3a-3b show a schematic perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette with an alternative arrangement of FIGS. 2a and 2b. 3a-3b show a schematic perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette with an alternative arrangement of FIGS. 2a and 2b. 3c-3d show schematic perspectives and cross-sectional views of electronic cigarettes in alternative arrangements of FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, as well as FIGS. 3a and 3b. 3c-3d show schematic perspectives and cross-sectional views of electronic cigarettes in alternative arrangements of FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, as well as FIGS. 3a and 3b. 4a-4c show a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir. 4a-4c show a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir. 4a-4c show a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir. 5a-5b show a schematic perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette having a wick material extending from the main body of the electronic cigarette. 5a-5b show a schematic perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette having a wick material extending from the main body of the electronic cigarette. 6a-6b show a diagram of the wick material received in the liquid reservoir. 6a-6b show a diagram of the wick material received in the liquid reservoir. 7a-7b show a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. 7a-7b show a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. 8a-8b show a schematic cross-sectional view of another valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. 8a-8b show a schematic cross-sectional view of another valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. 9a-9d show a schematic cross-sectional view of another valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. 9a-9d show a schematic cross-sectional view of another valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. 9a-9d show a schematic cross-sectional view of another valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. 9a-9d show a schematic cross-sectional view of another valve arrangement applied to the cartridge. A schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge 5 used in an electronic cigarette is shown. 11a-11b show a schematic cross-sectional view of the removable wick. 11a-11b show a schematic cross-sectional view of the removable wick. 12a-12b show a schematic cross-sectional view of the removable heater and wick. 12a-12b show a schematic cross-sectional view of the removable heater and wick. A perspective view of a coiled wire type heater embedded in a support is shown. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir and wick engaged with the heater of FIG. 15a-15b show a diagram of the heater. 15a-15b show a diagram of the heater. 16a-16c show a diagram of a ring heater. 16a-16c show a diagram of a ring heater. 16a-16c show a diagram of a ring heater. 17a-17b show an alternative wick arrangement that can be used with the ring heaters of FIGS. 16a-16c. 17a-17b show an alternative wick arrangement that can be used with the ring heaters of FIGS. 16a-16c. 18a-18c show a cross-sectional view of an alternative device structure for an electronic cigarette with a main body, a cartridge, and a steam flow tube. 18a-18c show a cross-sectional view of an alternative device structure for an electronic cigarette with a main body, a cartridge, and a steam flow tube. 18a-18c show a cross-sectional view of an alternative device structure for an electronic cigarette with a main body, a cartridge, and a steam flow tube.

FIG. 1 shows an electronic cigarette 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has a main body 3 and a cartridge 5.

The main body 3 can be regarded as a power supply or a power supply unit having a battery and a heater 25. The heater 25 is arranged so as to vaporize the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5.

The cartridge 5 has a liquid reservoir 9 containing a vaporizable liquid 11. The mouthpiece portion 7 is located at the first distal end of the liquid reservoir 9. The second distal end of the liquid reservoir 9 is opposite the first distal end and is arranged to engage the main body 3. The mouthpiece portion 7 has an orifice 15 through which the user can inhale vapor. The generated steam is delivered from the heater 25 to the orifice 15 by the steam flow pipe 13. The vapor flow tube 13 has a first end proximal to the heater 25 and extends through the liquid reservoir 9 with the second end connected to the orifice 15.

The main body 3 may be reusable, but the cartridge 5 may be a disposable / replaceable consumable.

As most often seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are connectable to each other. The cartridge 5 has a free end 23a forming a recess in which the housing of the main body 3 is received. The free end 23a of the cartridge 5 is formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the liquid reservoir 9 of the cartridge 5 and extends from the liquid reservoir 9. The inner diameter of the free end 23a of the cartridge 5 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the main body 3 so that sliding fit is achieved when the main body 3 is guided by the free end 23a of the cartridge 5. Next, the free end 23a of the cartridge 5 forms an overlapping region 17 on the main body 3 and is connected to the cartridge 5 to fix the main body 3.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the main body 3 may have a free end 23b that forms a recess in which a portion of the cartridge 5 is received. The free end 23b of the main body 3 is formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the main body 3 and extends from the main body 3. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the free end 23b of the main body 3 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cartridge 5 so that sliding fit is achieved when the cartridge 5 is guided to the free end 23b of the main body 3. Next, the free end 23b of the main body 3 forms an overlapping region 17 on the cartridge 5 and is connected to the main body 3 to fix the cartridge 5.

In the embodiments shown, the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 have a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the cross section may be triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape.

The sidewalls of the liquid reservoir 9 may be transparent or translucent so that the user can monitor the amount of liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9. Alternatively, the side wall of the liquid reservoir 9 may be opaque.

The cartridge 5 and the main body 3 have a housing that can be made of any robust material such as plastic or metal. If the cartridge 5 is a disposable consumable, it is preferably made from low cost and recyclable plastic.

In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element or wick material extends outwardly from within the liquid reservoir 9 of the cartridge 5, for example, as described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. A free end for engaging with the heater 25 in the main body 3 is formed. Therefore, the elongated wick element is fixed and attached to the cartridge 5. In another embodiment, for example, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the fluid transfer element or wick material extends outward from within the heater 25 of the main body 3 and is the liquid of the cartridge 5. Form a free end to engage with the reservoir 9.

The fluid transfer element or wick is preferably a heat resistant material with a rigid structure and high speed liquid transfer properties. The material is advantageously a fibrous or porous material such as cotton, natural fiber, silica fiber, or ceramic.

2a and 2b show an electronic cigarette with features as described with reference to FIG. 1, the wick has an outwardly extending end from the cartridge 5.

As described with reference to FIG. 1, the cartridge 5 of FIGS. 2a and 2b has a free end 23a that forms a recess in which the main body 3 is received. The free end 23a of the cartridge 5 is formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the liquid reservoir 9 of the cartridge 5 and extends from the liquid reservoir 9. The inner diameter of the free end 23a of the cartridge 5 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the main body 3 so that sliding fit is achieved when the main body 3 is guided by the free end 23a of the cartridge 5. Next, the free end 23a of the cartridge 5 forms an overlapping region on the main body 3 to fix the main body 3 in relation to the cartridge 5. This provides stability to withstand twisting and bending at the connecting joint between the cartridge and the main body.

The wick materials 19, 21 can be formed from a single component, the first end 21 of the wick material (ie, the first wick portion or portion 21) extending inward to the liquid reservoir 9 of the cartridge 5. do. The first wick section 21 may be located in the seating within the liquid reservoir 9. The second end 19 of the wick material (ie, the second wick portion or portion 19) extends outward from the liquid reservoir 9 of the cartridge 5 to form a free end. Therefore, the first wick portion 21 is configured as a liquid uptake portion, and the second wick portion 19 is configured as a liquid delivery portion. In this way, the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9 is extracted under the influence of vaporization in the heater by the suction action provided by the wick material and held in the wick material. Therefore, the wick material provides a fluid connection between the liquid reservoir 9 and the heater 25.

When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are connected to each other, the second wick portion 19 is received by the heater 25, whereby the heater 25 forms a heating cavity surrounding the second wick portion 19. In one embodiment, the heater is a coiled wire having an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the wick material. Other embodiments of the heater are described with reference to FIGS. 13-17. The wick material has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the inside of the heater 25. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the heater 25 defines a cylindrical cavity in which the first end of the wick material 19 is received.

The heater 25 is arranged so as to apply thermal energy to the second wick portion 19. As a result, the liquid held in the second wick portion 19 is vaporized to generate vapor. The second wick portion 19 has a diameter smaller than the cavity of the heater 25, so that a gap is formed between the two. This void allows the outflow of steam generated by the heater 25 that heats the liquid in the second wick section 19.

The second wick portion 19 is centered on the heater 25 by the aforementioned snug connection provided by the free end 23a (or 23b if the free end extends from the main body 3) between the main body 3 and the cartridge 5. The alignment of the second wick portion 19 in the heater 25 is provided so as to be held in the heater 25.

In addition, a rotary lock may be provided for the connection between the cartridge and the main body. The rotary lock may be provided as a screw connection or a bayonet connection.

The main body 3 and the cartridge 5 having the heating cavity are separated so that the steam from the heating cavity can reach the steam flow pipe 13.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2b, the stopper 53 may be provided such that a coplanar connection between the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 is avoided. Therefore, the stopper separates the cartridge 5 from the main body so that the vapor receiving cavity 33a is defined between the cartridge 5 and the main body 3. The vapor receiving cavity 33a takes the form of an annular groove on the surface of the cartridge 5 facing the main body 3 when the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are engaged. The end of the annular groove forms a stopper 53 by being adjacent to the surface of the main body 3 facing the cartridge 5 when the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are engaged.

Optionally, steam can flow from the heater 25 into the steam cavity within the main body 3. The surface of the main body 3 on which the heating cavity extends (ie, the surface of the main body 3 facing the cartridge 5) also allows steam to flow out of the steam cavity 33b so that steam can exit the steam cavity 33b. May include an aperture 55 that allows for. Steam can then pass from the steam cavity 33b of the main body through the aperture 55 and into the steam cavity 33a between the surface of the main body 3 and the cartridge 5, thereby allowing the user to suck the mouthpiece. , Steam can be drawn into the steam flow tube 13 through the aperture.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the heater 25 is a coiled wire type heater 25. As will be described later, other types of heaters can also be used, and any heater arrangement described herein can be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 2a and 2b, if desired.

In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the recessed free end 23a of the cartridge 5 may have dimensions equal to (or greater than) the length of the second wick portion 19. That is, the free end 23a extends outward from the cartridge 5 to the second wick portion 19 with at least the same axial length. In this way, the free end 23a can provide a shield to the second wick portion 19 to reduce the possibility of damage to the wick.
In an alternative embodiment, the free end can instead extend from the main body 3 rather than the cartridge 5 described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b.

In an alternative embodiment, FIG. 2c shows an electronic cigarette with features corresponding to those of FIGS. 2a and 2b, the only difference being arranged to be received by the recessed free end 23a of the cartridge. The end of the main body 3 is narrower than the remaining part of the main body 3, and the remaining part of the main body 3 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cartridge 5. Have. That is, the end of the main body 3 arranged to engage with the cartridge 5 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the recessed free end 23a of the cartridge 5, and the rest of the main body 3 is the cartridge. It has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of 5. As a result, when the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are engaged, the outer diameter of the electronic cigarette is constant over its entire length.

3a and 3b show alternative arrangements of the embodiments of FIGS. 2a-2c. Also in this case, the second wick portion 19 extends outward from the cartridge 5, and the first wick portion 21 extends inward to the liquid reservoir 9 in the cartridge 5.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the free end 23b forming the recess extends from the main body 3. The free end 23b of the main body 3 is formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the main body 3. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the free end 23b of the main body 3 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cartridge 5 so that sliding fit is achieved when the cartridge 5 is guided to the free end 23b of the main body 3. Next, the free end 23b of the main body 3 forms an overlapping region on the cartridge 5 and is connected to the main body 3 to fix the cartridge 5.

The heater 25 of FIGS. 3a and 3b is arranged as a free end extending outward from the surface of the main body 3 arranged so as to face the cartridge 5. The heater 25 has a cylindrical shape in the longitudinal direction in the axial direction, and the inside of the cylinder forms a heating cavity. The cylindrical heater 25 has an inner diameter suitable for receiving the second wick portion 19. That is, the inner diameter of the heater 25 is larger than the outer diameter of the second wick portion 19. When the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are connected to each other, the second wick portion 19 is housed in the heater 25.

The first wick portion 21 extending in the liquid reservoir 9 sucks the liquid 11 from the liquid reservoir 9 to the second wick portion 19. The second wick portion 19 sucks the liquid into the heater 25. That is, the wicks 19 and 21 including the first wick portion 21 and the second wick portion 19 transfer the liquid 11 from the liquid reservoir 9 to the heater 25 by a method corresponding to those described with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2c. Suck up.

The heater 25 of FIGS. 3a and 3b has a series of grooves 31 extending along the length of the heater 25. These grooves 31 allow the outflow of steam generated when the heater 25 heats the steam held in the second wick portion 19.

When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are engaged, the steam cavity 33a is defined by the separation between the surface of the main body 3 on which the heater 25 extends and the surface of the cartridge 5 on which the wick extends. Will be done. This separation is caused by the distal end of the second wick 19 adjacent to the bottom of the heating cavity.

When the heater 25 vaporizes the liquid held in the second wick portion 19, the steam flows into the steam cavity 33a through the groove 31. The steam can then be drawn from the steam cavity 33a into the steam flow tube 13 to the mouthpiece orifice 15 when the user sucks the mouthpiece 7 (as described with reference to FIGS. 2a-2c).

The free end 23b extending from the main body 3 is sized so as to have a length equal to or longer than the heater 25. In this way, the free end provides a shield for the heater 25, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the heater 25.

A collar 29 is provided to secure the second wick portion 19 to the cartridge 5. The collar 29 surrounds the base end of the second wick portion 19 extending from the cartridge 5. This is beneficial as it suppresses bending of the second wick section 19, which can lead to wick damage.

In an alternative arrangement, the heater 25 of FIGS. 2a-2c can be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 3a and 3b. In another alternative arrangement, as described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the free end extending from the cartridge 5 can instead be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 3a and 3b. Further, the heater arrangements of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 3a, 3b (or FIGS. 3c and 3d, which will be described later) are like free-end arrangements for connection between the main body 3 and the cartridge 5. That is, it should be noted that either the heater arrangement and either the free end arrangement can be used interchangeably so that they can be used in any of the embodiments. Any heater arrangement described herein can be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 3a and 3b, if desired.

3c and 3d show an alternative arrangement of e-cigarettes to those of FIGS. 3a and 3b. The e-cigarettes of FIGS. 3c and 3d have features corresponding to those of FIGS. 3a and 3b, the only difference being that of the cartridge 5 arranged to receive the recessed free end 23b of the main body 3. The end portion has an outer diameter narrower than the remaining portion of the cartridge 5, and the remaining portion of the main cartridge 5 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the main body 3. That is, the end of the cartridge facing the mouthpiece has a larger outer diameter than the connection arranged to engage the main body 3. The connection portion of the cartridge 5 arranged to engage with the main body has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the recessed free end 23b of the main body 3, while the rest of the cartridge 5 is the main body 3. It has an outer diameter that is almost equal to the outer diameter. As a result, when the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are engaged, the outer diameter of the electronic cigarette is constant over its entire length.

In the e-cigarette arrangement of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d, the maximum amount of liquid held in the second wick portion 19 is the heat required by the heater 25 at a given time. It is advantageous to specify the maximum amount of. Further, the size of the second wick portion 19 can be sized so that it holds only sufficient liquid for one puff vapor. This partial control allows for a limit on the amount of liquid that is heated, so that there is no excess liquid that is unnecessarily heated, as is the case when heating a larger container of liquid to produce vapor. It provides power saving in that respect. The smaller the amount of liquid heated, that is, the amount corresponding to one puff, the less energy input is required to raise the temperature of the liquid to its vaporization point. Further, by using the wick material, heat transfer to the liquid 11 in the liquid storage 9 is suppressed, wasteful heat energy is reduced, and the efficiency of the electronic cigarette is improved. This improved efficiency can result in increased battery life.

4a-4c show cross-sectional views of various arrangements of the liquid reservoir 9, the second wick section 19, and the first wick section 21 in the cartridge 5.

FIG. 4a shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir 9 in which the liquid 11 is contained as a free liquid. The second wick portion 19 extends outward from the liquid reservoir 9, and the first wick portion 21 extends inward to the liquid reservoir 9. The second wick portion 19 and the first wick portion 21 form a single wick 19, 21. The first wick portion 21 is fluid-connected to the liquid 11 freely contained in the liquid reservoir 9, whereby the liquid 11 can be absorbed and sucked up by the second wick portion 19.

FIG. 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir 9 in which the liquid 11 is housed by being held in a saturated fiber material or a porous material. The saturated material may be, for example, polyester and / or polypropylene fiber and may be essentially porous. The saturated fiber material is fluidly connected to the second wick portion 19, and the saturated fiber material functions as the first wick portion 21 and charges the liquid to the second wick portion 19 extending outward from the liquid reservoir 9. Can be sucked up.

FIG. 4c shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir 9 in which the liquid 11 is a partially free liquid and is partially contained in a saturated fiber material. The saturated fiber material is located inside the liquid reservoir 9 at the end of the liquid reservoir 9 where the second wick portion 19 extends from it. The liquid 11 is freely contained in the remaining volume of the liquid reservoir 9. In this case, the saturated fiber material can function as the first wick portion 21 and absorbs the liquid 11 freely contained from the remaining volume of the liquid reservoir 9. The second wick portion 19 is fluid-connected to the saturated fiber material so that the saturated fiber material sucks liquid into the second wick portion 19.

5a and 5b show a diagram of an electronic cigarette with features as described with reference to FIG. 1, with an elongated wick extending outward from the main body 3.

In FIGS. 5a and 5b, the main body 3 has a recessed free end 23b extending from the main body 3. The free end 23b of the main body 3 is formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the main body 3. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the free end 23b of the main body 3 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cartridge 5 so that sliding fit is achieved when the cartridge 5 is guided to the free end 23b of the main body 3. Next, the free end 23b of the main body 3 forms an overlapping region on the cartridge 5 and is connected to the main body to fix the cartridge 5.

Optionally, the cartridge housing may have a smaller diameter at the connection and a larger diameter in the direction towards the mouthpiece outlet. That is, the end of the cartridge 5 for connecting to the main body 3 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the recessed free end 23b of the main body 3, and the remaining portion of the cartridge 5 is outside the main body 3. It has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the diameter. In this way, the outer diameter of the e-cigarette can be constant over its length.

In an alternative arrangement, the free end may extend from the cartridge 5 (similar to that of FIGS. 1, 2a, and 2b) in which the main body 3 is received. The free end of the cartridge 5 is formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the liquid reservoir 9 of the cartridge 5 and extends from the liquid reservoir 9. The inner diameter of the free end of the cartridge 5 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the main body 3 so that sliding fit is achieved when the main body 3 is guided to the free end of the cartridge 5. Next, the free end of the cartridge 5 forms an overlapping region 17 on the main body 3 and is connected to the cartridge 5 to fix the main body 3.

In another alternative arrangement, the free end may extend from the cartridge 5 (similar to that of FIG. 2c) in which the main body 3 is received. In this arrangement, the end of the main body 3 arranged to be received by the recessed free end of the cartridge has a narrower outer diameter than the rest of the main body 3, and the rest of the main body 3 , Has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cartridge 5. That is, the end of the main body 3 arranged to engage with the cartridge 5 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the recessed free end 23a of the cartridge 5, and the rest of the main body 3 is the cartridge. It has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of 5. As a result, when the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are engaged, the outer diameter of the electronic cigarette is constant over its entire length.

The wick material can be formed from a single part 19, 21. The first end of the wick material 21 (ie, the first wick portion 21) extends outward from the main body 3 to form a free end. The second end of the wick material 19 (that is, the second wick portion 19) extends inside the main body 3, is fixed to the seating 41 in the main body 3, and is arranged in connection with the heater 25. When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are connected to each other, the first wick portion 21 is received through the opening 30 of the cartridge 5 so that the first wick portion 21 enters the liquid reservoir 9. The liquid reservoir 9 may include a seating for receiving the first wick section 21. In this way, the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9 is extracted by the suction action provided by the first wick section 21, and by the suction action, the second wick portion is in contact with the heater 25 through the wick. Transfer the liquid to 19. Therefore, the wick material provides a fluid connection between the liquid reservoir 9 and the heater 25.

The optional collar 29 surrounds the opening 30 to the liquid reservoir 9. The collar 29 supports the first wick portion 21 when received through the opening 30.

As described with reference to FIG. 1, the cartridge 5 has a liquid reservoir 9 containing a vaporizable liquid 11. The mouthpiece portion 7 is located at the first distal end of the liquid reservoir 9. The second distal end of the liquid reservoir 9 is opposite the first distal end and is arranged to engage the main body 3. The mouthpiece portion 7 has an orifice 15 through which the user can inhale vapor. The generated steam is delivered from the heater 25 to the orifice 15 by the steam flow pipe 13. The steam flow tube 13 has a first end proximal to the opening 30 of the cartridge 5, so that when the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are connected to each other, the first end of the steam flow tube 13 is. Proximal to the heater 25. The vapor flow tube 13 has a second end connected to an orifice 15 and extends through the liquid reservoir 9.

The arrangement of the liquid reservoir 9 described with reference to FIGS. 4a-4c may optionally be used in the e-cigarettes of FIGS. 5a and 5b.

FIG. 5b shows a coiled wire heater 25 surrounding the second wick portion 19. The heater 25 is arranged in the steam cavity 33b in the main body 3, and the steam cavity 33b is arranged to receive the steam generated by the heater 25. The heater 25 generates steam by vaporizing the liquid held in the second wick portion 19 transferred from the liquid reservoir 9 by the combination of the second wick portion 19 and the first wick portion 21. The steam flows from the heater 25 and is sucked up into the cavity 33b. The aperture 55 is arranged on the surface of the main body 3 facing the cartridge 5 so that steam can exit the steam cavity 33b. The aperture may be aligned with the vapor flow tube 13 so that when the user inhales on the mouthpiece 7, the vapor can be drawn into the vapor flow tube 13 through the aperture.

Optionally, the chamber 33a can be placed at the connection between the cartridge 5 and the main body 3. The chamber 33a is configured to collect steam from the heater 25 and suck it up and transfer it through the steam flow tube 13. Chamber 33a advantageously has an annular groove on the surface of the cartridge 5 facing the main body 3 with a steam flow tube inlet provided in the groove when the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are engaged with each other. It is located in the cartridge 5. The end of the annular groove forms a stopper 53 by being adjacent to the surface of the main body 3 facing the cartridge 5 when the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 are engaged. The stopper 53 prevents the facing surfaces of the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 from being completely pressed against each other to form a coplanar connection when the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 engage with each other, thereby forming two. A vapor receiving cavity or chamber 33a is defined between the surfaces.

The seal 39 in the form of the collar 39 surrounds the base of the first wick portion 21 extending from the main body 3. This provides a connection between the wick and the main body 3 and supports the wick.

Optionally, the valve 35 may be arranged in the opening 30 to the liquid reservoir 9. The valve 35 allows the first wick section 21 to enter the liquid reservoir 9 by passing through the opening 30, and the wick material when the first wick section 21 is located in the liquid reservoir 9. Allows the outflow of the liquid 11 sucked up through the liquid reservoir 9 from the liquid reservoir 9. The valve 35 prevents the liquid 11 from flowing out of the liquid reservoir 9 when the first wick portion 21 is not inserted into the liquid reservoir 9. Subsequently, the valve 35 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

FIG. 6a shows views of wicks 19 and 21 approaching the opening 30 to the liquid reservoir 9. FIG. 6b shows a diagram of the first wick portion 21 inserted through the opening 30 such that the valve 35 is in the open position and the first wick portion 21 is connected to the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9. There is.

The coiled heating wire type heater 25 surrounds the second wick portion 19 and is arranged on an optional support 37. In this case, the heating wire is embedded in the support 37. The seal 39 secures the wick to the support 37. The opening 30 to the liquid reservoir 9 is closed by a valve 35. For clarity, the rest of the main body 3 and cartridge 5 are not shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b.

When the first wick portion 21 pushes the valve 35, the valve 35 opens and the first wick portion 21 moves into the liquid reservoir 9. The first wick portion 21 comes into contact with the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9, sucks it through the wick to the second wick portion 19, where it is heated by the heater 25 so that the liquid vaporizes. In this way, the heater 25 heats and vaporizes a relatively small amount of liquid in the second wick portion 19 rather than heating a larger amount of liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9 to generate vapor. You only need to provide enough power for it.

7a and 7b show cross-sectional views of a valve 35 arrangement for application to the cartridge 5 shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. The valve 35 has a closing member 56, such as a ball, which is urged towards the closing position by a urging member 54, such as a spring (as shown in FIG. 7a). In the closed position, the opening 30 of the cartridge 5 is closed off by the closing member 56.

The closing member 56 has a first end open (corresponding to the opening 30 of the cartridge 5) at an end opposite to the first end 30 of the channel 51 on which the urging member 54 is supported. It is arranged in the channel 51 with the two ends 52 closed. The channel may have a tubular shape.

The channel 51 has a protrusion 60 at the first end proximal to the opening 30 that partially inwardly projects into the channel 51 to provide narrowing of the channel proximal to the opening 30. The closing member 56 is pressed against the protrusion 60 by the urging member 54 so that the closing member 56 is adjacent to the protrusion 60 when in the closed position. The protrusion 60 may be one continuous protrusion around the inner surface of the channel 51, such as a flange, and defines a narrow passage 62 at the opening 30 of the cartridge 5. Since the diameter of the closing member 56 is larger than the width of the narrow passage 62, not only is the liquid unable to escape from the channel 51 when the closing member 56 is adjacent to the protrusion 60, but the closing member 56 is also urged. It is not pushed out of the channel 51 by the member 54.

The channel 51 further has at least one aperture 58 on the side wall 50, which is the wall of the channel 51 perpendicular to the first and second ends 30, 52 of the channel. The at least one aperture 58 allows the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9 to flow into the channel 51. When the closing member 56 is in the closed position, the closing member 56 adjacent to the protrusion 60 suppresses the liquid 11 exiting the cartridge 5 by the opening 30. That is, since the closing member 56 is arranged between at least one aperture 58 and the opening 30, the flow of the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5 is blocked.

As shown in FIG. 7b, when the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are connected, the first wick portion 21 is inserted through the narrow passage 62 defined by the protrusion 60 and engages with the closing member 56. .. The first wick portion 21 pushes the closing member 56 along the channel 51 away from the opening 30 by overcoming the urging provided by the urging member 54. When the closing member 56 is pushed towards the second end 52 of the channel 51 and passes through at least one aperture 58, the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9 can flow into the channel 51 and exit the opening 30. Therefore, the open position of the valve 35 is specified. That is, the closing member 56 is no longer located between the at least one aperture 58 and the opening 30, but rather at least one aperture 58 is placed between the opening 30 and the closing member 56. The presence of the first wick portion 21 in the channel 51 means that the liquid 11 does not flow freely through the opening 30 but is absorbed by the first wick portion 21. The first wick portion 21 sucks the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5 to the second wick portion 19 engaged by the heater 25. In this way, the wick opens the valve 35 and transfers the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5 to the heater 25.

When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are disengaged, the first wick portion 21 moves out of the channel and the urging member 54 pushes the closing member 56 back into the closed position, adjacent to the protrusion 60, thereby the liquid 11. Prevents the liquid reservoir 9 from escaping.

In an alternative arrangement, the aperture 58 may be at the second end 52 of the channel 51, in which case a flange-type abutment extends inward to the channel 51 located proximal to the second end 52 of the channel 51. The abutment member 54 is supported against it.

8a and 8b show the arrangement of another valve 35 suitable for application to the cartridge 5 shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. The valve 35 has two sheets 64a, 64b of elastic elastomer material. The sheets 64a, 64b are a first end fixed to the opposite side of the opening 30 and a second end (opposite the first end) urged toward each other in a "duckbill" type arrangement. And have. By urging the free ends of the seats 64a and 64b together, the valve 35 closes and the liquid 11 exits the liquid reservoir 9 through the opening 30 as shown in FIG. 8a showing the closed position of the valve 35. To prevent.

When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are connected to each other, the first wick portion 21 passes between the sheets 64a and 64b toward the free end of the sheets 64a and 64b, and the joint of the sheets 64a and 64b at the free end. Overcome the urgency, thereby deforming the sheets 64a, 64b. The first wick section 21 can then pass through the valve 35 and enter the liquid reservoir 9 as shown in FIG. 8b, which shows the open position of the valve 35. It should be noted that the first wick portion 21 is not shown so that the deformations of the sheets 64a, 64b can be clearly seen.

The first wick portion 21 absorbs the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9, and sucks the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5 to the second wick portion 19 with which the heater 25 is engaged. In this way, the wick opens the valve 35 and transfers the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5 to the heater 25.

By urging the sheets 64a and 64b together, when the first wick portion 21 is arranged between the sheets 64a and 64b in the open position, the sheets 64a and 64b are urged to the first wick portion 21. , Thereby fixing the wick in place within the cartridge 5.

When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are disengaged from each other, the first wick portion 21 is removed from the valve 35, and the free ends of the seats 64a and 64b are urged together to cause the valve 35 as shown in FIG. 8a. Return to the closed position. This prevents the liquid 11 from flowing out of the liquid reservoir 9.

9a-9d show the arrangement of another valve 35 suitable for application with the cartridge 5 shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. Valve 35 is an elastic elastomer 2 having a first end fixed to the opposite side of the opening 30 and a second end (opposite the first end) that is both opposed and urged together. It is an "X-frag" type valve equipped with sheets 66a and 66b. In this way, the sheets 66a, 66b, as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, substantially prevent the liquid 11 from flowing out of the liquid reservoir 9 through the opening 30 when in the closed position. A flat surface 66c is formed on the surface.

When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are connected to each other, the first wick portion 21 pushes the substantially flat surface 66c to deform the sheets 66a and 66b. Therefore, the seats 66a, 66b are separated by the force applied by the first wick section 21 that overcomes the joint urging of the seats 66a, 66b. The first wick section 21 can then pass between the seats 66a and 66b and thus enter the liquid reservoir 9 through the valve 35. This puts the valve 35 in the open position, as shown in FIGS. 9c and 9d. Note that the first wick section 21 is not shown in FIG. 9c to more clearly show the deformation of the sheet.

By passing through the valve 35 and being located in the liquid reservoir 9, the first wick portion 21 can absorb the liquid 11 contained in the liquid reservoir 9. The first wick portion 21 sucks the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5 to the second wick portion 19 engaged by the heater 25. In this way, the wick opens the valve 35 and transfers the liquid 11 from the cartridge 5 to the heater 25.

Similar to the valve 35 in the arrangement of FIGS. 9a and 9b, when the first wick portion 21 is arranged between the seats 66a and 66b by urging the seats 66a and 66b together, the seats 66a and 66b , Is urged against the first wick portion 21, thereby fixing the wick in place within the cartridge 5.

When the cartridge 5 and the main body 3 are separated from each other, the first wick portion 21 is removed from the valve 35. Therefore, by urging the free ends of the seats 66a, 66b together, the valve 35 is returned to the closed position by reforming the substantially planar surface 66c, as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b. This prevents the liquid 11 from flowing out of the liquid reservoir 9.

The cartridge 5 may be a disposable / replaceable consumable. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 5 for use with the electronic cigarettes of FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. The cartridge 5 has a valve 35, which can be any suitable type of valve 35, including those described in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, and 9a-9d. .. The cartridge 5 further includes a tamper-proof seal 43, for example a heat induction seal. The seal 43 must be removed before the cartridge 5 is used for the first time. The provision of the seal 43 allows the user to know that the cartridge 5 is new and has not been tampered with.

Although the cartridge 5 has been described as a disposable or replaceable consumable, in some embodiments the cartridge 5 may be a refillable and reusable cartridge 5. In this way, the arrangement of the valves 35 of FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, and 9a-9d is in much the same manner as the first wick section 21, but in a pipette-type arrangement, for example, a liquid. Can be used with a refill device attached to a liquid container to transfer the pipette into the liquid reservoir 9 rather than outside.

In some embodiments, the wicks 19, 21 or the heaters 25 and wicks 19, 21, respectively, are removable from the main body 3, as shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, and FIGS. 12a and 12b.

FIG. 11a shows the removable wicks 19 and 21 separated from the main body 3 and the heater 25, and FIG. 11b shows the wicks received by the heater 25 of the main body 3. In this embodiment, the heater 25 is a wire type heater embedded in a support 37 fixed to the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette, but other heater arrangements described herein may be used as needed. May be used equally. A seating 37 for receiving the wick is provided such that the second wick portion 19 is surrounded by the heater 25 and the first wick portion 21 extends outward from the heater 25. The seal 39 surrounds the base of the first wick portion 21 extending from the heater 25 so as to secure the wick to the heater 25. The arrangement of FIGS. 11a and 11b is beneficial because the expired wick can be replaced.

12a and 12b show an embodiment in which both the wicks 19 and 21 and the heater 25 are attached to a support 37 removable from the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette. FIG. 12a shows a removable heater 25 and wick separated from the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette. In this embodiment, the heater 25 is a wire-type heater 25 embedded in or attached to the support 37. Other heater arrangements described herein may be used as well, if desired. The heater 25 surrounds the second wick portion 19, and the first wick portion 21 extends outward from the heater 25. The seal 39 surrounds the base of the first wick portion 21 extending from the heater 25 so as to secure the wick to the heater 25. The support 37 is received by the seating 41 of the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette. As shown in FIG. 12b, when attached to the seating 41, an electrical connection is made between the heater 25 and the power supply of the main body 3. The arrangement of FIGS. 12a and 12b is useful because both the expired wicks 19, 21 and the heater 25 can be replaced.

In the following, various heater arrangements suitable for the above-mentioned electronic cigarette and wick application will be described.

FIG. 13 shows a diagram of a coiled wire type heater 25 embedded in the support 37. The support 37 is preferably a ceramic casing 45, but any other suitable type of electrical insulating material may be used. The heater 25 has a cylindrical shape with an open end arranged to receive a portion of the wick. The heater 25 can be connected to the power source of the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette by the wired connection 47.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid reservoir 9 and the wicks 19 and 21 engaged with the heater 25 of FIG. In this embodiment, the first wick portion 21 extends into the liquid reservoir 9, absorbs the liquid 11 stored therein, and is surrounded by a cylindrical heater 25, which is a substantially cylindrical second wick. The liquid 11 is sucked up into the part 19. The heating wire 49 applies heat to the second wick portion 19 to vaporize the liquid held in the second wick portion 19. The outer diameter of the second wick portion 19 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical heater 25. In this way, a gap is provided between the side surface of the second wick portion 19 and the heater 25 so that the generated steam can escape. The heater 25 and the second wick portion 19 do not have to be cylindrical, but may have any shape that allows the second wick portion 19 to be arranged within the heater 25.

In another embodiment, in one embodiment where the wick extends from the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette, the wick may be fixed so as to extend from the heater 25 of FIG.

15a and 15b show more detailed views of the heater 25 described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b. FIG. 15a shows the separated wicks 19 and 21 and the heater 25, and FIG. 15b shows the wicks received by the heater 25.

The heater 25 extends from the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette as a free end and has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical heater 25 has an open end that is sized to receive a second wick portion 19 that is substantially cylindrical in shape. The outer diameter of the second wick portion 19 is the inner diameter of the heater 25 so that a close fit between the second wick portion 19 and the heater 25 is achieved when the second wick portion 19 is received by the heater 25. Is almost equal to.

The sidewalls (perpendicular to the open end) of the cylindrical heater 25 have a series of steam release grooves 31 along their length. The groove 31 forms an opening through which the heater 25 can escape after the vapor is generated when the liquid held in the second wick portion 19 is vaporized.

Although not shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, the first wick section 21 (at the end of the wick opposite the second wick section 19) is from the liquid reservoir 9 to the second wick section 19, and thus the heater 25. Extends into the liquid reservoir 9 in the cartridge 5 to suck up the liquid. The cartridge 5 (and the liquid 11 stored therein) is not shown so that the heater 25 can be seen more clearly. The free end 23b connecting the main body 3 to the cartridge 5 (as described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b) is not shown so that the heater 25 can be seen more clearly.

It should be noted that the heater 25 does not have to be cylindrical, but may have any shape that allows the second wick portion 19 to be received within the heater 25.

16a-16c show an alternative heater arrangement in which the ring-shaped heater 25 surrounds the second wick portion 19.

FIG. 16a shows a diagram of the heater ring 25 surrounding the second wick portion 19. The heater ring 25 is connected to the power source of the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette by the wired connection 47. The aperture 70 of the ring has a diameter larger than the cross section of the substantially cylindrical second wick portion 19 so that the second wick portion 19 can be inserted into the ring.

FIG. 16b shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the heater 25 of FIG. 16a. The arrow points from the first wick section 21 where the liquid held in the wicks 19 and 21 is placed in the liquid reservoir (not shown) toward the heating region of the second wick section 19 where it is vaporized. It shows that it is spreading. The first wick portion 21 and the second wick portion 19 form a single wick 19, 21.

FIG. 16c shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the heater ring 25 in combination with the wicks 19 and 21 and the liquid reservoir 9. The first wick portion 21 extends into the liquid reservoir 9, absorbs the liquid 11 contained therein, and sucks the liquid into the second wick portion 19.
The heater ring 25 heats and vaporizes the liquid held in the region of the second wick portion 19 close to the heater ring 25.

The heater ring 25 is advantageous because it provides an open structure that does not block the generated steam from diffusing from the heater 25. The heater ring 25 can be a ceramic or metal heater. The heater ring 25 does not have to be a perfect ring, but rather may be a "C" shaped incomplete ring.

17a and 17b show alternative wick arrangements that can be used with the heater ring 25 described with reference to FIGS. 16a, 16b, and 16c. In this embodiment, the first wick portion 21 and the second wick portion 19 form a single wick 19, 21 having a "mushroom" or "T" type cross-sectional shape in the axial direction of the wick. The second wick portion 19 is wider than the first wick portion 21. The diameter of the end of the wider wick substantially coincides with the width of the heater ring 25 so that the end of the wider wick aligns with the heater 25. That is, the second wick portion 19 has a diameter wider than that of the first wick portion 21 and the aperture 70 of the heater ring 25. The second wick portion 19 has a disk shape and is sized so as to match the outer diameter of the heater ring 25. The first wick portion 21 is smaller in diameter than the aperture 70 of the heater ring 25 so that it can pass through the aperture and extend into the liquid reservoir 9.

As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 17b, the liquid 11 in the liquid reservoir 9 is sucked into the disc-shaped second wick portion 19 through the first wick portion 21 where it is heated and vaporized by the heater 25.

This arrangement is advantageous because it increases the area of interaction between the heater 25 and the wick. This heater arrangement is suitable for the electronic cigarette described with reference to FIG. 5, and the disk-shaped portion of the wick is arranged in the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette.

FIG. 18a shows a conceptual cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the main body 3 and the cartridge 5 of the electronic cigarette corresponding to those of FIGS. 1 to 5. The cartridge 5 is engaged with the main body 3 so that the second wick portion 19 is connected to the heater 25 and the first wick portion 21 extends into the liquid reservoir 9 of the cartridge 5. The liquid 11 in the cartridge 5 is absorbed by the first wick portion 21 and sucked up by the second wick portion 19, where it is vaporized by the heater 25. The generated steam diffuses from the heater 25 and is sucked up into the steam cavity 33a. When the user sucks on the mouthpiece of the cartridge 5 (not shown), at the end of the cartridge opposite the end that engages the heater, steam is incorporated into the cartridge 5 and extends along its length. Pulled in through 13.

FIG. 18b shows a conceptual cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement of the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette and the cartridge 5. In this embodiment, the e-cigarette functions in substantially the same way as that of FIG. 18a. The main difference is that the cartridge 5 is not connected to the end of the main body 3 but is received and held in the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette, and the steam tube 13 is the outer side wall of the cartridge 5 and the main body. It is defined between the inner side wall of the main body 3 and the inner side wall. To accommodate this arrangement, the mouthpiece (not shown) is formed as part of the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette, not as part of the cartridge 5.

FIG. 18c shows a conceptual cross-sectional view of a further alternative arrangement of the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette and the cartridge 5. In this embodiment, the e-cigarette is arranged in substantially the same way as in FIG. 18b, the difference being that the steam tube 13 passes through the main body 3 of the e-cigarette and not along the cartridge 5. It extends away from the cartridge 5. In this case, the mouthpiece (not shown) is formed as a part of the main body 3 of the electronic cigarette, but is formed at the end opposite to the end where the cartridge 5 is held.

The arrangement described with reference to FIGS. 18a, 18b, and 18c is compatible with any of the previously described e-cigarette arrangements. In some embodiments, the wick is attached to the cartridge 5 and is received by the heater 25, and in other embodiments, the wicks 19 and 21 are attached to the heater 25 and received by the cartridge 5. The arrangements of FIGS. 18a, 18b, and 18c are compatible with any of these arrangements.

Moreover, any of the aforementioned features in the various embodiments of the entire description can be integrated with any of the other embodiments, if desired.

Claims (14)

It ’s an electronic cigarette,
A power supply unit equipped with an electric circuit and a heater,
With a replaceable cartridge with a liquid reservoir,
Equipped with
The power supply unit further comprises a fluid transfer element having an elongated shape, wherein the fluid transfer element has a first wick portion extending outward from the power supply unit as a free end and a liquid to the heater for vaporization. Including a second wick portion configured to deliver
The power supply includes a seating configured to be fixedly attached to the second wick of the fluid transfer element, the first wick when the power supply is connected to the cartridge. Configured to extend within the liquid reservoir, the fluid transfer element is removable from the seating of the power supply and the heater so that the fluid transfer element can be replaced.
The replaceable cartridge allows the first wick to engage and disengage from the liquid reservoir, and when disengaged, the fluid transfer element engages the power source. Removably coupled to the power supply so that it becomes part of the unit,
Electronic Cigarette. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer element is an elongated wick, wherein the first wick portion and the second wick portion are respectively placed at two opposite distal ends of the elongated wick. .. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater at least partially surrounds the second wick portion of the fluid transfer element. The cartridge has a housing, the first end of the housing of the cartridge is configured as a first connection.
The power supply unit has a housing, and the first end of the housing of the power supply unit is configured as a second connection unit.
The electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connection portion of the housing of the cartridge is configured to be connected to the second connection portion of the power supply unit. The electronic cigarette according to claim 4, wherein the second connection portion is configured as a free end protruding from the power supply portion in which the first connection portion of the cartridge is received. The electronic cigarette of claim 5, wherein the second connection is tubular and at least partially extends over the first wick. The electronic cigarette according to claim 4, wherein the first connection portion is configured as a free end protruding from the housing of the cartridge in which the second connection portion of the power supply unit is received. The electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a gap exists between the second wick portion and the heater. The power supply further comprises a vaporization chamber, and the cartridge further comprises a flow tube extending through the liquid reservoir to the mouthpiece so that vapor can pass from the vaporization chamber to the mouthpiece. The electronic cigarette according to any one of Items 1 to 8. The cartridge comprises a closed opening configured to open upon engagement of the first wick portion of the fluid transfer element, the closed opening of the cartridge from which the cartridge is detached from the power supply portion. The electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is closed when the cigarette is closed. The electronic cigarette of claim 10, wherein the closureable opening comprises a valve, wherein the valve is urged to a closed position. The valve is
At least one channel within the housing of the channel that extends from the closed opening into the liquid reservoir and is arranged to provide a fluid connection between the channel and the liquid reservoir. The channel comprises an aperture, a closing member, and an urging member arranged to urge the closing member to close the closing opening, wherein the channel is the first wick portion. The closure member is pushed into the liquid reservoir by the reception of the urging member and is arranged to receive the first wick portion in such a manner that the urging member is compressed, thereby the at least one aperture. 11. The electronic cigarette according to claim 11, wherein a liquid can flow from the liquid reservoir to the first wick portion received by the channel. The electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the liquid reservoir comprises a porous element, wherein the porous element is arranged to transfer a liquid to the fluid transfer element. The one according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the heater and the fluid transfer element are attached to a support removable from the seating of the power supply unit so that the fluid transfer element and the heater can be replaced. Electronic Cigarette.

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